High Wire Distilling in Charleston: Craft Spirits and Distillery Tours

What High Wire Distilling makes and where to find it

High Wire Distilling is a craft distillery in Charleston's East Side neighborhood that makes bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka from scratch. The distillery sits at 692 East Bay Street in a restored warehouse space where you can watch the production process through large windows and taste spirits at the bar. They source grains from regional suppliers and age their whiskeys in charred oak barrels on-site, which means the entire operation—from grain to bottle—happens in that single location.

The distillery opened in 2014 and has become one of Charleston's most recognizable spirits producers. Their flagship bourbon and rye whiskeys are sold in liquor stores across South Carolina and beyond, but the distillery itself is where you experience the full scope of what they do. The tasting room is open most days, and the space functions as both a working distillery and a place to sit, drink, and learn how the spirits are made.

Key Takeaways

• High Wire Distilling produces bourbon, rye, gin, and vodka in a working distillery on East Bay Street that you can visit and tour.
• The distillery offers tastings at the bar where you can sample their spirits and learn about their production methods from staff.
• Tours show you the actual equipment, barrel storage, and bottling process, and typically run 30 to 45 minutes depending on the tour type.
• The tasting room serves cocktails made with High Wire spirits, plus beer and wine, and stays open into the evening most days.
• High Wire's spirits are sold in retail locations throughout South Carolina, so you can purchase bottles to take home without visiting the distillery.

Tours and what you see during them

High Wire offers guided tours that walk you through the distillery floor, barrel storage, and bottling area. A standard tour lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and includes a tasting of two or three spirits at the end. You'll see the copper stills where the spirits are distilled, the wooden barrels where whiskeys age, and the equipment used to bottle and label each product. The tour guide explains the difference between their bourbon and rye, how they source grains, and why aging time matters to the final flavor.

Tours run on a schedule that changes by season, so check their website or call ahead before you go. Groups are usually kept small—typically under 15 people—so you get a chance to ask questions. If you're not interested in a full tour, you can also walk into the tasting room without a reservation, order a flight of spirits, and observe the distillery floor from the bar area. That option works well if you're short on time or prefer a more casual experience.

Tasting room drinks and food

The tasting room serves cocktails made with High Wire spirits—bourbon smashes, rye old-fashioneds, gin and tonics, and seasonal drinks that rotate. You can order a flight of three or four spirits to taste side by side, which is a good way to understand the differences between their products. The bar also stocks beer and wine if you want something other than spirits, and they often have local breweries and wineries represented on the shelves.

High Wire does not serve a full food menu, but they partner with local food trucks and restaurants that set up outside or nearby, especially on weekends. Some visitors bring their own snacks or order food from a neighboring restaurant and eat in the tasting room. The space is designed for drinking and conversation rather than dining, so plan accordingly if you're hungry.

Hours, location, and how to get there

High Wire Distilling is located at 692 East Bay Street in Charleston's East Side, a neighborhood that has become a hub for breweries, restaurants, and makers. The distillery is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Charleston or a 20-minute walk from the historic district if you're staying in that area. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, though it can fill up on weekends and during events.

Hours vary by season and day of the week, typically running from late morning through early evening on weekdays and staying open later on Friday and Saturday. The best approach is to check their website or call 843-302-8000 before you visit to confirm they're open and to book a tour if that's what you want to do. They are closed on some holidays and occasionally for private events, so a quick call saves a wasted trip.

High Wire spirits you can buy and take home

High Wire's bourbon and rye whiskeys are their most recognized products and are stocked in liquor stores throughout South Carolina. Their gin and vodka are also widely available. Prices vary by product and proof, but a bottle typically costs between $30 and $60 depending on what you choose. The distillery itself sells bottles at the same price you'd pay in a retail store, so there's no markup for buying at the source—the value of visiting is the experience and the ability to taste before you buy.

If you find a spirit you like during a tasting, you can purchase a bottle right there at the bar. Many visitors do this after a tour or tasting flight. High Wire also releases limited-edition and barrel-proof versions of their whiskeys periodically, and these are sometimes only available at the distillery or in small quantities at select retailers.

Why High Wire matters to Charleston's food and drink scene

High Wire Distilling is part of a larger movement in Charleston toward local production and craft spirits. The distillery helped establish Charleston as a destination for craft whiskey and gin, alongside the city's well-known beer and wine culture. The East Side location has become a gathering place for people interested in how spirits are made, and the distillery's success has drawn attention to the neighborhood as a whole.

The distillery also sources grains from regional farmers and partners with local businesses, which ties it into Charleston's broader food system. This approach—making spirits from local ingredients and selling them locally—reflects values that matter to many Charleston residents and visitors who care about where their food and drink comes from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book a tour in advance?

Tours are offered on a set schedule and often fill up, especially on weekends, so booking ahead is recommended. You can walk in to the tasting room without a reservation and taste spirits at the bar, but if you want a guided tour of the production floor, contact the distillery to reserve your spot.

Can I bring children to High Wire Distilling?

Children are welcome in the tasting room during the day, though the space is primarily an adult bar. They cannot participate in tastings or tours, but they can accompany adults. Call ahead if you have questions about bringing kids to a specific event or time.

What's the difference between High Wire's bourbon and rye?

Bourbon is aged in charred oak barrels and has a sweeter, fuller flavor profile. Rye whiskey has a spicier, drier taste. High Wire makes both, and a tasting flight lets you taste them side by side to see which you prefer.

Is there a gift shop or can I buy merchandise?

Yes, the distillery sells bottles of their spirits, glassware, and branded merchandise at the tasting room. You can purchase bottles to take home or order online through their website for shipping to South Carolina addresses.

How long does a typical visit take?

A tour and tasting usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. If you just want to visit the tasting room and order a drink without a tour, you can spend as little as 30 minutes or stay for several hours. Plan based on whether you're doing a tour and how much time you want to spend at the bar.